It Worked Before...
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On an increasing basis, it feels like folks in education think that because something worked a certain way once upon a time, it can continue to work that way in today's society. Warning, for anyone that enjoys trying to live under a rock, the world and society for our kids today is not nearly the same as it once was before. We as adults and parents, no matter how hard we try, can prevent society and the world from changing. It just doesn't happen. Technology is the prime example. When I was in high school, we used a computer maybe once. In college, I can remember sending a grand total of TWO emails. You read that correctly, two. Today, I'm lucky to send less than one hundred emails PER DAY. The world is different. Today, everyone has a computer in their pocket and our kids know more about technology than most of us adults ever will. As parents and educators, we have to embrace the fact that society is different, whether we like it or not, and work within it to help our personal children and our students. I've said it before and I'll say it again, public education has changed very little in the last 100 years and some may argue that the changes that we have seen have not been positive. If you can remember, there was a time when graduation rates didn't matter. Most kids didn't experience public education past 8th grade. Once a kid completed 8th grade, they went in the direction that their desires took them. For many, it was high school, but for others, it was a trade or work. Ironically, that model of yesteryear is very similar to the European educational model that many Americans think is superior to our current establishment. We aren't saying that we should go back and do that again, are we? It worked for most kids and is the model that this country's greatest generation was educated in. We aren't going back there because we have evolved as adults and understand that our kids need more than an 8th-grade education to be successful in life, but are we helping them be successful in society? In order to do that, we have to accept that the world is not a utopia and things have changed. For example, 20 years ago, the education laws that exist today were not as strict as they are today and technology didn't exist, so many school systems ignored laws left and right and did what they wanted to. That led to more auditing of school districts and state oversight of everything, which in turn means that the way things were once done, is just not possible anymore. What does this mean? This means that everyone needs to simply work together to address a concern. People, humans, don't do anything just because they were told to anymore. It's not the 1940's. However, people will adapt and adjust if they understand a purpose and a reason, kids will too. We need to talk to each other. Schools can help with this matter. We do have parent meetings and parent mediations believe it or not. But simply trying to say that old-fashioned hard consequences will fix a problem, isn't true. Kids are outside of school way more than they are in school. We need to work together as parents to solve issues, and then we will see progress in society. Times have changed and simply saying that it worked before, or it worked for us, will not solve a problem. Our kids are very different than we were and until we recognize that, what worked before will only continue to create more tension.
NYSED Digital Access Survey
In the coming days, families throughout the district will be receiving a ParentSquare notification to complete a required New York State Education Department (NYSED) Digital Access Survey. Since COVID, the State is now requiring school districts to survey their families regarding our district's overall, general access to the internet. Survey results are due to be reported in January 2023, so be on the lookout for reminders, if necessary.
Halloween on the Green
Looking for a great way to celebrate Halloween with family and friends? Be sure to check out 'Halloween on the Green' on Friday, October 28th beginning at 6:00 p.m. The event is being held right at City Hall. Admission is free and visitors can enjoy an outdoor movie on the green, trick-or-treat street, food trucks, and more. Stop by the green for some Halloween fun!!
Trunk or Treat Event
Trunk or Treat is all about safe, family fun, and oh, lots of candy! It's a holiday-themed community tailgate party and it's completely free. Expect bouncy castles, games, prize giveaways, and candy. Plan on dropping by Redeemer Rome between 6:00 and 7:30 p.m. on October 31st for this event. For more information, please view the event flyer here: https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2353646/districts/32521.
Chromebook Insurance Program
As a reminder, the Rome City School District has a partnership with Worth Avenue Group to provide insurance to families for Chromebooks if desired. This optional program for families will provide coverage to repair/replace a device if something were to go wrong for a fraction of the cost of out-of-pocket repairs/replacements. This program would be a direct agreement between the family and the insurance carrier, the district has no involvement with the policy. For more information and/or to purchase insurance coverage, please review this document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16AL81Hc1PQFjSYS5OxUjgFXFS01xz3pYfpWH--r-rr0/edit.
